Lewis & Clark Expeditions
DiscoverLewis & Clark River Expeditions is a family-owned Snake River rafting operator running since 1971, with whitewater trips through the Snake River Canyon plus scenic floats on calmer river sections. Evening floats with riverside cookout are a distinguishing offering. The right fit is anyone wanting a real Snake River trip with one of the longest-running independent operators in the valley. The wrong fit is anyone wanting expert Class IV+ whitewater (this is Class II-III) or anyone who can't get wet on the canyon trip.
River Expedition Highlights: Guided Rafting & Scenic Float Trips
Whitewater: 8-mile run through the Snake River Canyon, Class II-III rapids (Lunch Counter, Big Kahuna). Half-day. Splashy and energetic. Scenic float: calmer Snake River sections with wildlife focus and Teton views. Half-day. Evening float with cookout: scenic float plus a Dutch-oven cookout dinner on the riverbank, pairing the river experience with a meal. Combo days that pair whitewater + scenic available.
Why pick Lewis & Clark over peers
Three things distinguish them. First, longevity: 50+ years on this river is real proof of consistency. Second, family ownership: this is one of the last independent family-run rafting companies in Jackson Hole, contrasting with corporate-owned competitors. Third, the evening cookout float is a unique format; most operators don't run that. Sands, Dave Hansen, and Jackson Hole Rafting all run the same river with similar half-day formats.
Season and timing
Late spring through early fall, river-flow-dependent. Spring (May to mid-June) brings highest water and biggest rapids. Mid-summer (July) is the standard balance. Late season (August to early September) has gentler rapids. Evening cookout floats are best in summer when daylight stretches; check timing for late-summer dates as days shorten.
What to wear and bring
Quick-drying clothes (no cotton), water shoes or strap sandals (no flip-flops), hat with strap, polarized sunglasses with strap, sunscreen, dry change of clothes for after. Wetsuits and splash jackets typically provided on cooler days. Don't bring valuables you can't afford to lose; even with dry bags, accidents happen. Binoculars for scenic floats if wildlife matters.
Where this gets tricky
Three honest tradeoffs. First, this is Class II-III, not extreme. Experienced rafters wanting Class IV+ should look elsewhere. Second, peak summer weekend bookings fill weeks ahead; reserve early, especially for the evening cookout floats. Third, low-water late-season trips have less rapid action; for excitement, plan early-season.
Local tip
The evening cookout float is the sleeper booking here. Most visitors default to the standard half-day options; the evening trip combines a scenic float with dinner on the riverbank, which makes for a meaningful trip memory in a way that a regular half-day doesn't. Book this if you have flexibility on dinner timing.
In short
For Snake River rafting with one of the longest-running family-run operators in the valley, Lewis & Clark is one of the right calls. Consider the evening cookout float for a more memorable trip than a standard half-day.
FAQ
Do I need rafting experience?
No. Guides handle technique; first-timers welcome.
What's the age minimum?
Varies by water level and trip type. Whitewater is typically 6+; scenic floats can take younger kids. Confirm at booking.
What's the evening cookout float?
A scenic float plus a Dutch-oven cookout dinner on the riverbank. Distinctive offering that combines the river experience with a meal.
What's provided?
Life jackets, paddles, helmets for whitewater. Splash jackets and wetsuits available on cool days. Bring quick-dry clothes, water-friendly footwear, sunscreen, dry change of clothes.